Abstract A feasible comprehensive experiment was designed in this article to investigate the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in a heterogeneous system using ferrihydrite as a catalyst. The activation energy, activation enthalpy and activation entropy of the decomposition reaction of hydrogen peroxide could be obtained through determining the rate constants at different temperatures, which makes students acquire some knowledge on the catalysis in heterogeneous system. In the experimental process, not only the experimental conditions can be selected by students, but also other iron oxides such as α-Fe2O3, α-FeOOH and γ-FeOOH are also used as catalysts to investigate the effect of crystal structure and crystallinity of iron oxides on their catalytic efficiency. The exploratory experiment design is favorable for students to develop their innovative ability, integrated experimental skill and scientific research ability.
